Electricity & circuits

Understanding simple circuits, electrical components, and the difference between conductors and insulators

Name:

Date:

Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
True or false? A complete circuit is needed for electricity to flow and a bulb to light up. A) True B) False
Answer:
2
Which of these is needed to make a simple circuit? A) A cell (battery), wires, and a bulb B) Just wires and a bulb C) A switch only D) A magnet and a wire
Answer:
3
Match each circuit component to its function. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Cell (battery), Wire, Bulb, Switch Right: Provides electrical energy, Carries electricity around the circuit, Converts electricity into light, Breaks or completes the circuit
Answer:
4
Which of these is a source of electricity in a simple circuit? A) Battery B) Wire C) Bulb D) Switch
Answer:
5
True or false? A switch works by creating a gap in the circuit to stop the flow of electricity. A) True B) False
Answer:
6
Which of these materials is an electrical conductor? A) A metal spoon B) A rubber band C) A plastic straw D) A wooden stick
Answer:
7
Match each material to whether it is a conductor or insulator. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Copper, Rubber, Iron, Plastic Right: Conductor, Insulator, Conductor, Insulator
Answer:
8
A bulb in a circuit does not light up. Which of these could NOT be the reason? A) The wires are too long B) The battery is flat C) A wire is disconnected D) The switch is open
Answer:
9
Why are electrical wires covered in plastic? A) Plastic is an insulator and stops electricity flowing into people who touch the wire B) Plastic makes the wire look nicer C) Plastic helps electricity flow faster D) Plastic makes the wire magnetic
Answer:
10
True or false? Adding more cells (batteries) to a circuit will make a bulb dimmer. A) True B) False
Answer:

Answer key

Electricity & circuits · for parents and teachers

1
True
True. Electricity needs a complete loop (circuit) to flow. If there is any gap or break, the electricity cannot flow and the bulb will not light.
2
A cell (battery), wires, and a bulb
A simple circuit needs: a cell (battery) to provide electrical energy, wires to carry the electricity, and a component like a bulb to use the energy.
3
Cell (battery) → Provides electrical energy; Wire → Carries electricity around the circuit; Bulb → Converts electricity into light; Switch → Breaks or completes the circuit
Each component has a specific job: the cell provides energy, wires carry it, the bulb converts it to light, and the switch controls whether the circuit is open or closed.
4
Battery
A battery (cell) provides the energy in a simple circuit. The wires, bulb and switch all use the energy.
5
True
True. When a switch is open (off), it creates a gap in the circuit. Electricity cannot jump across the gap, so it stops flowing and the bulb goes out.
6
A metal spoon
Metals are electrical conductors - they allow electricity to flow through them. Rubber, plastic, and wood are insulators - they block the flow of electricity.
7
Copper → Conductor; Rubber → Insulator; Iron → Conductor; Plastic → Insulator
Metals like copper and iron are conductors (electricity flows through them). Rubber and plastic are insulators (they block electricity). This is why wires have a metal core with a plastic coating.
8
The wires are too long
Wire length does not prevent a circuit from working (though very long wires add some resistance). A flat battery, disconnected wire, or open switch would all break the circuit completely.
9
Plastic is an insulator and stops electricity flowing into people who touch the wire
Plastic coating insulates the wire for safety. Without it, touching the metal conductor could give you an electric shock. The plastic prevents electricity from flowing into anything that touches the outside.
10
False
False. Adding more cells increases the voltage (electrical push), which makes more electricity flow and the bulb shines brighter - not dimmer.